Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange early on Monday, February 20
ANZ – ANZ BANKING GROUP LTD – up 35 cents at $21.55
ANZ Bank has hinted at further interest rate rises, despite its stronger than expected $1.48 billion first quarter profit.
ANZ chief executive Mike Smith has accused politicians of short term point scoring by criticising the bank for its rate rises and
APN – APN NEWS & MEDIA LTD – up 2.5 cents at 78.5 cents
APN News & Media is in talks with Quadrant Private Equity about an outdoor advertising joint venture.
BBG – BILLABONG INTERNATIONAL LTD – up 83 cents at $2.62
Surfwear retailer Billabong International has left the door open for takeover offers as it starts shedding 400 jobs, closing stores and offloading a chunk of its accessories business.
CTX – CALTEX AUSTRALIA LTD – up 49 cents at $12.84
Australia could find itself short of fuel if Caltex shuts down its two domestic refineries, the mining union says.
JHX – JAMES HARDIE INDUSTIES SE – up 16 cents at $7.26
A compensation fund that helps victims of asbestos-related diseases has been loaned almost $30 million.
PBG – PACIFIC BRANDS LTD – up one cent at 67 cents
Pacific Brands has confirmed other potential suitors could be circling the clothing, sleepwear and apparel maker as it struggles with a difficult retail market and expected fall second half profit.
QAN – QANTAS AIRWAYS LTD – down two cents at $1.635
Qantas and Jetstar will try to help passengers stranded after fledgling budget airline Air Australia entered administration, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce says.
SGM – SIMS METAL MANAGEMENT LTD – down 30 cents at $14.03
Sims Metal Management says there are signs of a tentative recovery in the scrap metal recycling market, but has not offered guidance for its full year after first half profit plunged into a loss.
SPT – SPOTLESS GROUP LTD – up five cents at $2.42
Spotless has posted has posted a weaker profit that has analysts speculating about whether its suitor will re-think its interest in the industrial services company.
STO – SANTOS LTD – up one cent at $13.56
Oil and gas producer Santos has maintained its annual production guidance after delivering a big lift in profit, with four recently commissioned projects poised to drive output growth. .
TWE – TREASURY WINE ESTATES LTD – up 17 cents at $3.70
Wine supplier Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) wants to produce more luxury wines and boost its presence in the fast-growing Chinese market.
